Pumps

The use of pumps have increased drastically over the past 100 years – from using them to get water from a tap to using them in complex industrial products. Its versatility has always been reassuring in the fact that even after all these years, they still fulfil the same function, even if it is on a more advanced level.

Choosing the right pump can prove to be a daunting task to manufacturers and consumers as there are so many different types to choose from. Knowing how pumps work and for what they are most commonly used, will equip one with a sound knowledge when purchasing a pump.

Parts of a pump

The parts of a pump will be based on the type of pump under discussion. In order to supply a basic overview, the example of a water pump will be used to discuss these parts. Most pumps have the following components: the housing which is the outer shell, typically made of cast iron or aluminium; the impeller which is the spinning part distributing cool air throughout the cooling system; the bearing assembly, which is the mechanical support allowing the rotation of the impeller; the hub, which is attached to the bearing assembly and supplies the connecting source of power to the impeller; and the seal which the protects the bearing assembly from contamination.

Different kinds of pumps

As already mentioned, there are different kinds of pumps that one can use. They can be grouped under two umbrella terms: centrifugal pumps and positive displacement pumps. These pumps all have their own advantages and uses, thus it is important to analyse them completely in order to make the right decision or purchase.

Centrifugal pumps:

• Axial flow pumps: these pumps are low head type of pumps and produce a heavy flow. Axial flow pumps, also called propeller pumps, are mainly used during food dewatering, circulating water for power plants, and irrigation. The advantage of this pump is that it can pump liquids with or without solids.

• Fire pumps: these types of pumps are usually equipped with a horizontal split case or vertical turbine pump. They are usually used by firefighters as they comply with the UL/FM requirements. They can also be used industrially in power plants to extinguish fires.

• Vertical turbine pumps: these pumps are equipped with a vertical shaft pump that is designed to fit a bore-hole well. The pump can have more than one impeller or infuser bowl; this will depend on the total head requirement. These pumps are usually used for irrigation, fire pumps, and water distribution. It’s advantageous as it can pump water out of resevoirs.

Positive displacement pumps:

• Concrete pumps: these pumps are designed to pump concrete and other mixed solutions. They are equipped with high pressure discharge that makes for pumping concrete over long distances.

• Gear pumps: these pumps are equipped with a type of rotary in which liquid is passed through two gears and the surrounding casing. Typically these pumps can’t handle solids or abrasive liquids, but it is most commonly used during oiling services.

• Piston pumps: these pumps are equipped with double acting reciprocating pistons that are sealed with O-rings against cylinder walls. The pump also has an inlet and outlet check valve for each piston. They are usually used during wash down services, car washes, ad reverse osmosis.

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